Lushing Out with LUPEC

Sonja Kassebaum of North Shore Distilleries (Photo: Sonja Kassebaum)

To kick off Women's History Month, 312DD kicked it Monday with the Chicago chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails—better known as LUPEC—at Bar DeVille.

This sounds so prim and proper, doesn't it?!

I was so effing prepared to munch on miniature cucumber sandwiches and sip Champagne-gin cocktails as we politely discussed current events and the state of cocktails. But I was briskly told that this was not that kind of party.

I was first introduced to the members, some of whom I knew and some of whom I had heard about but had never met. Most were bar-industry vets with long resumes, such as Lynn House, who works at Blackbird and is also the chapter's president; Debbi Peek (The Bristol); Logan Lavachek (Double A, Sepia); Leanne Strickler (Nana); and Sonja Kassebaum (North Shore Distilleries). (Missing in action was Bridget Albert of Southern Wine & Spirits.)

The Bedford's Location Revealed

(Photo: Mark Steuer)

Sooooo, information is slowly leaking out about Mark Steuer's new Wicker Park project, The Bedford, which we were the first to tell you about in January.

The location is at 1612 W. Division St., in an old bank building, and it's set to open in mid-April. From what we understand, it's well on its way to being finished and if all goes well with the city, they should be opening on time.

Bartenders On 'Savory' Cocktail Trend

Adam Seger and his savory Mojitonico cocktail. (Photos: Adam Seger)

Local bar stars balked at the idea of Austin's trendy new Duck Fat Sazerac, but how do they feel about other savory cocktails?!

We talked to several of them and got their thoughts on "smoked" drinks, herb-infused elixirs and more . . .

What's Next For The Rockit Guys?!

Rockit Ranch Productions partners Brad Young (from left), Billy Dec and Arturo Gomez. (Photo: Rockit Ranch Productions)

Some of the principles of Rockit Ranch Productions were in New York City Monday, and they were eating as though their lives depended on it.

Billy Dec—who was accompanied by partners Arturo Gomez and Aeron Lancero—tweeted that the crew was on a mission to dine at 14 restaurants in 14 hours.

Hot News For Andersonville!

Kyle McHugh of Lady Gregory (Photo: Kyle McHugh)

The guy who's known as the Boozehound around town is taking his grind to Andersonville.

Kyle McHugh, who shuttered the upscale River North spirits shop Drinks on Dearborn at the end of 2010, has been named beverage director at Lady Gregory's.

Cheers To Harry . . . And Ron Santo!

Ron Santo (left) and Harry Caray (Photo: Harry Caray's)

If you didn't have plans at 5:55pm CST March 1, you do now.

That's when the 13th annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray happens at Harry Caray's. New this year is also a tribute to Cubs announcer Ron Santo, who passed away in 2010.

While You Were Watching The Oscars . . .

. . . Schwa's eccentric super chef Michael Carlson was chowing down at Alinea, according to this tweet from Grant Achatz:

"What do u do when Michael Carlson dines? Buy a pill press and make onion sweet tarts."

Wonder if he helped in the kitchen?!

The Sweetest B-Day Ever For Bulls Star?!

(Photo via Twitter)

Chicago Bulls star Joakim Noah celebrated his 26th birthday at Underground Thursday.

The best part about it—in addition to a big win over LeBron James and the Miami Heat—was his Bulls-themed birthday cake that was made by Sarah's Pastries.

Accordingly, Noah loved the cake so much that "he wouldn't let them cut it up and he took it home."

Great idea!

Happy Birthday to Joakim!